Winter hits hard here, and those nighttime temperatures drop fast once cold fronts roll through. We’ve seen pipes groan, wells struggle, and small gaps turn into expensive breaks. Before freezing settles in, you’ll want to protect your plumbing and well system. Cold water expands, fittings crack, and repairs snowball quickly. We help you prep early, seal weak points, and protect exposed lines. With the right steps now, you avoid icy mornings, water damage, and emergency calls later. This guide walks you through smart, practical ways to protect your home before winter fully sets in.
Disconnect External Water Hoses
When winter hits, water trapped inside a hose will freeze fast in the cold air. You’ll want to disconnect every hose from outdoor faucets before temperatures drop overnight. Frozen water expands and can crack the faucet inside your wall. We’ve seen small splits turn into soaked basements by spring. Once hoses are off, cover each exterior faucet for extra protection. That simple step helps keep your plumbing safe and avoids surprise repairs later.
Maintain Heat While on Vacations
When you leave town for a while, shutting the heat off can feel like an easy savings move. Cold nights don’t agree. Pipes chill fast and can split without warning. We’ve seen quiet vacations end with soaked floors and busted walls. Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees before you go. That small setting protects your plumbing while keeping energy use to a reasonable level. It’s a simple balance that saves stress and costly repairs.
Allow Some Water to Run Overnight
You probably learned never to leave a faucet running, and that advice usually holds. There’s one cold-weather exception worth knowing. On freezing nights, a slow trickle of warm water keeps pressure moving inside your pipes. That movement helps prevent ice from forming and splitting lines. We recommend this only during the coldest forecasts, not every night in winter. Check your local weather before bed and act when temperatures dip hard. You’ll protect your plumbing without wasting much water, and your home stays safer overnight.
Insulate Well Piping
The easiest way to protect your well starts with insulating every pipe connected to the system. We recommend focusing on exposed lines that feel the full bite of winter air. Foam insulation and heat tape both help stop overnight freezing. If pipes run through cabinets, open the doors to allow warm air to circulate. We’ve seen this simple step save homeowners from cracked pipes and cold-morning surprises.
Maintain a Consistent Well Temperature
Another smart way to protect your well is to keep the equipment temperature steady all winter. We recommend placing a safe heat source near your pressure tank and pump. Wrapping the pump helps trap warmth where it matters most, especially during long, bitter nights.
When to Drain Your Well
If you’re leaving home for several days, we usually recommend shutting off your well pump completely. Drain the system before you go. That step keeps trapped water from freezing, expanding, and cracking pipes while cold air settles in.
What to do When Pipes Freeze
If you suspect frozen pipes, take a breath and act quickly. We’ve seen this before, and you’ve still got options. First, shut off your main water supply. Then open indoor faucets to relieve pressure and reduce the risk of bursting. You may hear air hiss or water drip, which helps.
Next, gently warm exposed pipes using a hair dryer or space heater. Move slowly and stay nearby. Never use open flames. As things thaw, watch closely for leaks or damp spots. If you notice dripping, call us right away. Our team can find damage early, limit flooding, and restore your plumbing safely.
Midstate Plumbing & Air proudly serves Bridgeport and nearby Northern West Virginia communities with plumbing services you can trust. We know plumbing problems can be stressful, especially when water stops or leaks spread quickly. That’s why we offer same-day service and emergency service when you need it most. Our technicians work on all brands and explain options clearly, without pressure or surprises.
We handle water heaters, pipe repairs, bathrooms, wells, drains, and sewer issues. You’ll get honest advice and feel confident about the fix. We work with you to build solutions that fit your home and budget.
For professional plumbing and well services in Bridgeport, WV, contact Midstate Plumbing & Air today!
